The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (150 words)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly influences administrative decision-making by providing data-driven insights. However, concerns about ethical implications such as bias, accountability, and transparency challenge its reliability.
Ethical Issues in AI-Based Decision Making:
- Bias and Discrimination: AI models can inherit biases from training data, resulting in discriminatory decisions. For example, AI-based recruitment tools have been shown to favor male candidates, raising fairness concerns.
- Lack of Accountability: Decisions made by AI lack clear accountability since algorithms, not humans, are responsible, complicating the identification of who is answerable for mistakes or unethical outcomes.
- Transparency Issues: AI’s decision-making process often lacks transparency, known as the “black box” problem, making it difficult to understand how conclusions are reached, which diminishes trust.
- Privacy Violations: AI systems often require extensive data, leading to privacy breaches. For instance, surveillance-based AI can infringe on individuals’ rights, creating ethical dilemmas.
- Autonomy and Human Agency: Over-reliance on AI can undermine human judgment, leading to decisions devoid of empathy, compassion, or moral consideration.
Conclusion: While AI aids efficiency, ethical challenges like bias and accountability necessitate stringent frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and human oversight in administrative decisions.
